last december, i wrote michelle obama a christmas card. just a mom to mom note to say thank you for caring. the first lady not only read my letter. she invited my husband and i to the white house. twass an amazing experience. but what's even more amazing is knowing that our commander in chief and first lady are thinking about families like mine every single day. so -- [applause] like i said, i'm not a political person, but i'm a mom. and if someone is there for my family and families like mine, then i'll be there for them. that's why i am so proud to introduce my fellow mom and our first lady michelle obama. >> thank you. thank you very much. with your help -- let me start. i want to start by thanking elaine. thank you so much. we are so grateful for your family's service and sacrifice. and we will always have your back. over the past few years as first lady, i have had the extraordinary privilege of traveling all across this country, and everywhere i've gone and the people i've met and the stories i've heard, i have seen the very best of